Page:UK Traffic Signs Manual - Chapter 3 Regulatory Signs. 2008 (Second Impression 2008).pdf/35

 It is unlikely that the plate to diagram 618.1 will show only the legend "No vehicles". This would be appropriate only where vehicles are prohibited at all times and access is not permitted. Example of such roads might be a public footpath or a wide footbridge (with a level approach or ramp) that has been constructed to allow the passage of emergency or maintenance vehicles. To emphasise that ridden cycles are prohibited, consideration could be given to providing a CYCLISTS DISMOUNT sign to diagram 966 (see para 17.37). There would need to be alternative access to any premises situated along the road. The length of road affected might be very short where a through route is stopped up part way along its length, effectively creating two culs-de-sac to prevent rat running. In such situations it might be possible to construct a physical barrier. Signs to diagrams 617 and 618.1 might then not be required. If the total ban on vehicles applies during part of the day only, a time period is added to the "No vehicles" plate. Alternatively, a variable message sign could be used and the plate need only display "No vehicles". The disadvantage of using a variable message sign is that drivers entering the street during the periods when this is permitted will not know that they will have to leave by a certain time.

The sign to diagram 619 gives effect to an order which prohibits the use of a road by motor vehicles. Diagram 619.1 prohibits motor vehicles other than solo motor cycles, scooters or mopeds, and diagram 619.2 prohibits solo motor cycles.

5.10 The sign to diagram 619 is the most commonly used of the three. It is likely to be used to keep motor vehicles out of certain roads or a length of road for environmental reasons and where cyclists would not be a hazard to pedestrians. The sign should not be used to indicate one-way or tidal-flow traffic systems. However, it may be used to indicate the start of an advisory contra-flow cycle lane where it is not possible to provide a traffic island (see para 17.27. A "no motor vehicle" restriction might be appropriate for narrow streets in villages and for shopping streets in towns and cities where full pedestrianisation is not appropriate. Where there is a need to reduce the level of unnecessary traffic in a residential street, a prohibition of motor vehicles except for access might sometimes be preferable to stopping up the road and creating a cul-de-sac.

Diagram 619.1 would be used where it was acceptable to permit solo motor cycles (i.e. without side cars) to use the road where other motor traffic is prohibited. Diagram 619.2 might be used where it is required to emphasise that solo motor cycles are not permitted to use a route that has been provided for pedestrians and cyclists. 33